The central government plans to build an earthquake-proof system to better protect the country's growing cities, according to its 2006-2020 earthquake proof and relief blueprint.

Under the plan, the full text of which is carried on the central government's Website www.gov.cn, the system will enable all areas in China to basically have the capability to cope with earthquakes measuring about six on the Richter Scale by 2020. Measures will also be taken to equip rural areas with both earthquake-proof facilities and knowledge in relief procedures.

Typically, rural areas suffer heavy economic losses and casualties from earthquakes due to a lack of proper facilities and relief knowledge.

According to the plan, the government will provide equal public services in both rural and urban areas. Administrators of major infrastructure facilities and lifelines will be asked to improve their ability to cope with earthquakes.

The blueprint also calls for the digitalization of its seismic observation areas at land and sea. It will also step up the establishment of earthquake-warning systems and earthquake-proof facilities in key infrastructure and lifeline projects.

According to the plan, the publicity of earthquake-proof facilities and relief knowledge shall cover 40 percent of the population and 200,000 volunteers will be enrolled to work for earthquake-proof and relief efforts by 2010.

Material storage systems for disaster relief will be built and earthquake victims will be assured of basic living and medical assistance within 24 hours of an earthquake.

Earthquakes around the world killed about 1.2 million people in the 20th century, including 590,000 in China.

(Xinhua News Agency November 2, 2007)